Miser. If offenders were not, wherefore might mercy serve?
Avar. Stick hard to it, good, sweet lady Compassion!
We are all else undone, by Cock's bitter passion!
Miser. Verity! how say you? have I not spoken well?
Ver. Mercy in one place with Justice sometime may dwell,
And right well agree together—how say you, Peace?
Pax. Where all thing is well amended, I do increase.
Nem. Ladies, we have heard all your discreet advises;
And each one shall have some part of your devises.
Neither all nor none shall taste of severity
But as they are now known through lady Verity;
So shall they receive our mercy or our ire,
As the wealth of Respublica shall best require.
Now, Adulation! what sayeth you in this case?
Adul. Nought in mine excuse, but submit me to your grace.
Only this: I promise, if I may Mercy find,
Utterly for ever to change my wicked mind;
I ne'er sought afore mine own private gain so much,
But I will further Commonweal's ten times so much.
Nem. Well, thou mayest become a worthy subject, it is plain.
Adul. Else ye know at all times how to reach me again.
Nem. Thou mightest swerve of frailty, thou might'st do to please;
Thou might'st do for fear, thou might'st do to live in ease;
Well, upon thy promise, for once we pardon thee.
Go, and see that from henceforth thou be perfect Honesty!